Why JD-Next? Your Gateway to Law School Success

JD-Next is elevating the standardized assessment that all aspiring lawyers must take as part of applying to law school.  Students who opt for the JD-Next assessment are preparing to become lawyers, rather than just preparing to take a test. Practical, flexible, and fair, it’s designed to equip you with the practical skills you need to succeed in law school and beyond. But is it right for you?

Read on to learn what JD-Next offers, how it differs from other standardized assessments, and who stands to benefit most from taking it.

JD-Next is an 8-week online program designed to build practical legal skills essential for success in law school and beyond. The program bridges the gap between academic preparation and real-world application through focused training in case reading, legal reasoning (case briefing), and writing.

The program culminates in a comprehensive and standardized assessment that prospective students can use to apply for law school. The test is based on applying legal principles and legal reasoning to real and hypothetical case studies, rather than completing logic puzzles and word games. 

The JD-Next assessment aligns with the vision of the NextGen Bar Exam, which will debut in 2026 “using a focused set of legal concepts and principles.”   

Key Takeaways:

• • Flexible and Self-Paced: Study when and where it works best for you with JD-Next’s fully online format.

  • Skills-Based Learning: Develop practical expertise in case analysis, legal reasoning, and professional writing.

  • Relevant Assessment: Demonstrate your readiness with a test focused on real-world legal applications.

Choosing the right path to law school can be overwhelming, but JD-Next offers a flexible, skills-based approach designed to set you up for success. Here's why it stands out from traditional options:

JD-Next is associated with improved law school performance. Research shows that students who complete JD-Next have, on average, a higher first-year law school GPA than a control group of students. Many participants report greater confidence and readiness for academic challenges.

By prioritizing practical skills based on theoretical reasoning, JD-Next equips students to succeed in both law school and future legal practice.

The validity of norm-referenced assessments is threatened when some students can afford expensive test-preparation courses and materials, and some students can’t. JD-Next levels the playing field and promotes equity by requiring all students to participate in both the 8-week preparatory course and the standardized assessment. Your score on the final assessment reflects your skills, knowledge and commitment to learning, rather than your ability to pay for extraneous courses and materials.

Life doesn’t pause when you’re preparing for law school. With JD-Next’s online, asynchronous format, you can study anytime, anywhere you have internet access. This flexibility makes it an ideal option for students with competing priorities and demanding schedules.

JD-Next offers a skills-based approach that prepares you for the rigors of legal education, developing key legal skills such as:

• • Legal Reasoning: Analyze cases, identify key issues, and apply legal principles.

  • Legal Writing: Craft precise, persuasive arguments — a vital skill in law school and beyond.

  • Study Strategies: Develop effective methods for managing time, mastering material, and excelling in exams.

With a curriculum focused on key law school skills, JD-Next helps bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Through hands-on learning, students enter their first year equipped with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

"JD-Next gave me the confidence I needed to tackle my first semester of law school. The lessons on legal reasoning and writing were invaluable!"

- Sarah R, JD-Next Graduate

Endorsed by top-tier institutions, JD-Next continues to grow. Currently, a quarter of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), have received a variance from the ABA to accept the JD-Next test in lieu of the LSAT or GRE. All law schools have the option of accepting JD-Next test results in addition to these traditional tests.

JD-Next is for all aspiring law school students, from those just beginning their legal journey to professionals considering a career change:

• • Pre-Law Students: Get a head start by mastering foundational skills like legal reasoning and case analysis.

  • Students Entering Law School: Strengthen your understanding of core concepts used in critical courses like Contracts and Legal Writing before you begin your 1L year.

  • Paralegals and Career Changers: JD-Next provides structured, in-depth learning, making it an excellent way to grow in your legal career or in exploring law as a profession.

Getting started with JD-Next is simple, flexible, and accessible. Here’s what you need to know about the enrollment process:

• Registration: Sign up online through the JD-Next website. The process is straightforward, with clear instructions to guide you every step of the way.

• Start Dates: Multiple start dates are available throughout the year, so you can choose a schedule that works best for you.

• Cost: As low as $349 for the full program, which includes all course materials, practice quizzes, the final test, and three score reports.

• Financial Aid: Need-based scholarships and flexible payment options are available to ensure accessibility for all students.